Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:32:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: rw6789@aol.com
Subject: A Trial Of Strength - Part 38 by Rob Williams
A TRIAL OF STRENGTH - PART 38
By Rob Williams
IN THIS CHAPTER
The fight between the big construction worker and uniformed cop is
savage. "Go ahead, stud," Randy growls. "My body can take anything you can
dish out and more." Later Jamie moves in with Mark and fights a losing
battle against his attraction for the magnificent cop. "God, he's
beautiful. But we're just buddies, right? Nothing's gonna happen." Then
a brutal intruder threatens two lives in the guys' compound.
As I always say, guys, please send me your comments and suggestions.
E-mail me at rw6789@aol.com. Now read on ... and enjoy.
*********************
A TRIAL OF STRENGTH -- Part 38
They were like two great bulls, pawing the ground, nostrils flaring. They
circled each other, eyes blazing. The big, swarthy construction worker, in
filthy cargo pants and sweat-stained old tank top loomed like a dark demon.
The god-like, muscular cop, in full black uniform, was the powerful symbol
of authority.
****************
This confrontation had sprung up in an instant. Mark, the cop, had
returned from a perfect motor bike trip up the coast with the new guy in
the house, Jamie. But young Pablo was jealous of their new-found
friendship. As he got off work, Mark had gone into the garage and was
confronted by the surly young man and the truth came out.
"Sir, I think you like him more than you like me ... I've been thinking.
You've fucked everyone in this house except me, sir. You don't even want
me."
To show Pablo how far from the truth this was, Mark had fucked the willing
young guy right there in the garage and Pablo loved it. Just as they
finished Randy came into the garage, fresh from the construction site.
Mark greeted him cheerfully, but Randy was enraged. He gut-punched Mark to
the ground and hauled Pablo away.
"I'll be back for you," he growled at the fallen cop. He threw Pablo into
the house, slammed the door shut, turned and strode back toward the garage.
He was met in the middle of the lawn by Mark who had partially recovered
and stumbled out of the garage. The two macho bulls now faced each other,
ready to do battle.
**************
"You asshole," growled the cop. "What the hell's got into you? You're
fucking crazy"
"You fucked my boy!" yelled Randy. "Nobody fucks my boy. Especially not
you."
"Jesus Christ, man, you're adopting the kid, not his ass. You think you
own everything else in this house? Well you don't own me, asshole. He
wanted me to fuck him so I did. And you know what? It felt great."
"Pablo's mine," Randy sneered. "What's your problem, anyway? ... You
didn't get what you wanted from that piece of trash you took for a ride?
He didn't put out for the big stud cop?"
As soon as the words left his mouth Randy knew he had gone too far, and he
didn't even see the lightning fist that smashed into his jaw, sending him
reeling backward. He crashed against a tree, shook his head and rubbed his
chin. His rage was now out of control. He sprang forward, lowered his
head and slammed his shoulder against the cop's stomach in a vicious
football tackle.
Both powerful bodies crashed to the ground and they were on each other
instantly, grappling, punching, rolling over and over in the dirt. Randy
wrapped his bicep round Mark's neck in a tight choke hold, and the cop
thrashed wildly with his arms, choking, trying to free himself. He was
gasping for breath and beginning to weaken when in a desperate move he
slammed his elbow backward into Randy's gut and the construction worker
howled and fell on his back.
Mark took instant advantage. With Randy winded and sprawled on his back
Mark hurled himself on top of him. Straddling him on his knees he pulled
Randy's arms straight down at his sides and knelt on them, locking them in
place. His arms pinioned, Randy looked up helplessly at the powerful
uniformed copy kneeling over him.
Chest heaving, Mark smiled down at him grimly. "OK, big guy, it's me
you're dealing with now. You may scare the shit out of everyone else
... not me, pal. I'm as tough as you are. I can take you anytime."
"Go fuck yourself, shithead," Randy growled.
"I don't think so," Mark said. "Now, let's see how tough you really are.
Flex those pecs for me, asshole."
Randy knew what was coming and flexed his chest muscles hard under his thin
tank top. The construction worker watched as Mark raised his arm, then
brought his fist smashing down on the slab of his chest. Randy's head
jerked back and he flexed harder to lessen the pain. The fist slammed down
again on the other side of his chest and again a bolt of searing pain
jolted his body.
Now the blows rained down steadily. Mark used both fists to pummel Randy's
pecs without mercy. The two muscle studs locked eyes in a mutual look of
steely defiance. Randy's entire body was now flexed as hard as iron, every
huge muscle etched with bulging veins, as he withstood the onslaught. His
eyed challenged the massive cop, with even the shadow of a grim smile.
"Go ahead, stud," he gasped. "Think you can make me submit? My body can
take anything you can dish out and more."
Mark redoubled his effort, using every ounce of his strength in bruising
and torturing the construction worker's huge chest. He sensed that Randy
was finally starting to weaken. But Randy wasn't finished. His upper body
was helplessly pinned but his legs were still free. He took a deep breath
and raised his right leg, slamming his knee into Mark's back.
Taken by surprise Mark yelled in pain and he fell forward. His knees
loosened their grip on Randy's arms and the big man rolled free. Mark was
now lying on the ground clutching his back in pain, and in one swift move
Randy sprang to his feet and launched himself onto the fallen cop. Again
they were locked in a savage bearhug, rolling over the ground, each trying
to gain the advantage.
They were totally unaware of the gate opening and the roar that pierced the
air.
"STOP!"
Bob had arrived home from work and now rushed toward the writhing men.
Although he was still in his business suit he fell to his knees and tried
to pull the struggling combatants apart, screaming at them to give up the
fight. But the men were consumed with rage and ignored Bob's efforts.
Pinned underneath the cop Randy tried a repeat of his earlier move and
kicked up hard with his leg.
But this time the result was very different. Instead of hitting Mark,
Randy's boot made contact with the chest of the man kneeling over them.
Bob howled in pain and rolled over the ground clutching his chest. The
fight stopped. Mark and Randy looked up and immediately grasped what had
happened. They sprang to their feet and ran to Bob who was still writhing
on the ground.
"Oh, Jesus," Randy gasped. "Oh man, what have I done? Look at me buddy.
Speak to me."
"Let me see," said the cop, taking charge. He bent over the fallen
business executive and placed his hands lightly on his rib cage. Bob
winced and looked up at Mark.
"Does this hurt?" Mark asked, pressing lightly with his fingers.
"Yeah, a bit. Not too much."
"And how's your breathing? Try to take a deep breath."
Bob did so and said, "It's fine. Just sore. I'll be OK. No broken ribs,
uh?"
"I don't think so," Mark smiled. "Only bruises. You'll live."
Randy looked on aghast at what he had done to the man he loved and
protected. He could find no words. But Bob recovered quickly and Mark
helped him to his feet.
"Thanks, man," Bob said. He stood up straight and regained his breath.
After an uneasy silence Bob sighed. "I don't know about you guys but I
could use a beer."
**************
Bob, still in his business suit, sat at the head of the kitchen
table. Randy, in filthy construction gear and Mark, his uniform streaked
with dirt, sat facing each other. They sipped their beers sullenly, then
Bob broke the heavy silence, shaking his head.
"You guys are like a pair of pit-bulls. Will you ever stop competing with
each other? Now, you've told me what caused this, but Mark, I just want to
know one thing. Are you sure that what you did with Pablo was consensual?"
"Of course it was." Mark protested. "I would never force myself on him or
anyone. He asked me to fuck him. He wanted it."
Randy found his voice. "Why in God's name would he want that?"
"Because he was jealous of Jamie and me."
"Who the fuck's Jamie?" Randy growled.
"Jesus you don't even know his first name," Mark said in exasperation.
"He's the guy living with us, asshole. Miller ... the guy you just hired.
A kid I happen to like a lot." He glared at Randy. "He's the `piece of
trash' I took with me up north."
Randy winced, hearing his own words repeated. "Hell, man. You know I
didn't mean that. I was way out of line."
"Your anger taking over again?" Bob asked. "Mark, why do you like Jamie so
much?"
"Dunno. Maybe the way he's trying so hard to turn his life around. He
reminds me of myself somehow. I ran on the wild side when I was his age.
I was often on the wrong side of the law before I became a cop."
"I didn't know that," said Bob.
"Not something I boast about."
Bob smiled. "Well if Jamie is your buddy he's ours too. And we'll make
sure Darius and Pablo respect him too. Right, Randy?"
"Right." Randy shifted uneasily. Finally he said to Mark, "Look ... you
know how hard it is for me to apologize. Never do. But I do now, buddy.
I'm sorry, man."
He walked around the table and stood beside Mark holding out his hand.
Mark stood up, grinned and took his hand, pulling Randy toward him in a
tight hug. Randy returned the embrace, then pulled back sharply and rubbed
his battered chest.
"Hey, easy big guy. My pecs are real sore."
"And I know just how that feels," said Bob, rubbing his own rib cage.
The tension dissolved in a howl of laughter.
Randy rubbed his chin and grinned. "Hey, that Police Academy sure teaches
you a mean right hook, buddy. You should give me lessons some time."
***************
They drained their beers and were working on a second when Bob cleared his
throat and the others fell silent.
"You know," Bob said. "If Jamie's gonna stay here a while we should fix up
his room. Right now it's not much more than a storage closet. You're the
construction boss, Randy. How about it?"
"Sure," said Randy, eager to make amends to Mark. "But we'll have to start
right away. My new company's almost up and running and any work I do here
should be finished before I open a second shift." He frowned in thought.
"It'll take a few weeks ... the place needs gutting ... so the kid'll have
to move out during construction. Where's he gonna sleep?"
"There aren't many options," said Bob. "He can hardly move in with the
other guys; they're still giving him the cold shoulder. So maybe you could
do us a favor, Mark, and let him bunk in with you." Bob grinned at him.
"How would you feel about that?"
"Great idea," Mark agreed, a little too quickly, making Bob and Randy
exchanged smiles. Mark stood up. I'll go and give him the news."
Randy said, "Do me another favor, Mark. Drop in on Pablo and let him know
everything's OK. Tell him I'll be in shortly to make my peace with him. I
need a word with Bob."
"Sure thing, buddy," and Mark left the room.
*************
There was a silence as Bob and Randy stood up and looked at each other.
Bob sighed and said, "OK, sir. So now I guess you get to beat me up for
taking charge ... making decisions ... being too assertive, as you call it.
Go ahead. Just stay clear of the ribs."
Randy walked forward and threw his arms around his lover. "Man, what would
I do without you? Once again you've saved me from making a total ass of
myself. How can I make it up to you?"
Bob smiled. "I can think of a way. On your knees, big guy."
As usual Randy read his lover's mind and he fell to his knees before him.
He stared at the bulge in the crotch of Bob's dress pants.
"So, what you gonna do about that, asshole?" Bob said to the kneeling
construction worker.
Randy reached up and pulled down the zip of the pants. He reached inside
the shorts and pulled out the big dick that was already rock hard.
"Eat it, man," growled Bob.
Randy leaned forward opened his mouth and let his lover's cock slide deep
inside his throat. He sucked it hard, his head moving back and forth with
increasing speed as he smelled and tasted the musky warmth of the of the
moist cock. Bob looked down at the muscular, dirt-streaked shoulders of
the glorious man and moaned in ecstasy as his cock began to pulse.
Just in time he pulled out and his voice growled. "On your feet, asshole.
Bend over the table."
Randy obeyed and stood at the kitchen table, bending forward low, so his
forehead touched the table, his arms spread outward gripping the sides. He
braced himself for what he knew was coming. Bob quickly pulled down
Randy's cargo pants so they hung round his ankles, his ass bare and
vulnerable.
His cock still hung out of his dress pants and he came up behind Randy.
Swiftly he pushed his raging tool inside the glorious ass, feeling it slide
all the way in until it hit the warm inner depths of his gut.
"Fuck me, man," Randy moaned. "Don't hold back."
Without any foreplay Bob began to pound hard against his master's ass,
pulling his cock all the way out, then plunging it deep inside
again. Randy's moans turned to sobs as he endured the brutal hammering of
his lover's long shaft.
Bob growled. "Maybe this'll make you think twice, asshole, before you pick
a fight. Even masters can get hammered. Your ass is mine. Here it comes,
big guy."
And with one final powerful lunge Bob's cock exploded deep inside the body
of the construction worker. Both men yelled in unison, and as he felt the
warm liquid flow into his ass Randy's own cock erupted and he felt hot
semen shoot upward between his chest and the table. His torso slid on the
creamy, slick surface of the table and he felt his lover's cum oozing in
his ass.
The men were motionless as their heaving breaths subsided and their
heartbeats slowed. Then Bob pulled out and Randy stood up. He bent down,
pulled up his pants and buckled them. Then he reached down, took hold of
Bob's cock, pushed it back inside his shorts and zipped up his pants. He
grinned at Bob.
"I guess you taught me a lesson."
Bob grinned back. "The same lesson you'll get every time you pick a stupid
fight."
"Mmm," Randy mused. "All the more reason for me to pick more `stupid
fights'."
"Asshole," said Bob and threw his arm round Randy's shoulder as they walked
out of the kitchen.
***************
Over at the second house Mark was helping Jamie move his stuff out of his
basement room into Mark's bedroom upstairs. When he had heard that he was
to move in there with the beautiful cop Jamie had been secretly excited,
but apprehensive at the same time. He hid his enthusiasm and tried to play
it cool, be matter-of-fact about the temporary arrangement. They were
buddies, after all, and just bunking in with each other until the
construction was finished.
Bob had suggested that all six men have dinner together. He wanted harmony
in the house and knew there were still some bruised feelings. Everything
went OK except that Darius and Pablo were still cool toward the newcomer
Jamie. This was especially true of Pablo, who somehow still saw Jamie as
something of a rival.
They all drank quite a lot and then it was time for bed. Mark and Jamie
walked back to the second house together and climbed the stairs to Mark's
bedroom. He had a big California King bed so sleeping together should not
be a problem.
As they got ready for bed Jamie couldn't help stealing admiring glances as
Mark stripped off his shirt and jeans. He lowered his boxers and walked
naked to the dresser. He pulled out a V-neck T-shirt and shorts and put
them on. His muscular body was clearly outlined underneath and he looked
stunning.
"Here," he said to Jamie and threw him a T-shirt and shorts. "Try these
for sleeping in." They turned out to be a bit too big and loose for Jamie
but he loved the idea of wearing the cop's underwear and was embarrassed to
feel his cock get hard. To hide his erection he sat down on the bed.
"You OK?" Mark asked. "Look, I know that the young guys are still keeping
their distance from you, but give them time. After all, you used to work
for them so it'll take them a while to get their mind around you living
here ... living with me."
"Yeah, it's a bit tough," Jamie said. "I wish they liked me more. But
I'll survive. By the way, I couldn't help hearing all that shouting this
morning. What was that all about?"
"Oh, nothing," Mark said. "It's all over now."
"But why was Randy so mad at you? I thought you were buddies."
"I said it was nothing. It's just that Pablo was a bit jealous of you and
wanted me to show him I still liked him. I like the kid a lot and he
wanted me to fuck him, so I did. Randy kind of went ape-shit, but it's all
over now."
Jamie gaped at him in shock. "You what? You fucked him? You mean you
... up the ass, you mean?"
"Of course up the ass. I'd never done it to him and that was his problem.
He's fine now."
Jamie was stunned. He frowned, then his eyes opened wide in fear. "Is
that what you're gonna do to me? Is that why I'm here?"
"Jesus Christ," Mark laughed. "Why in hell would you think that? With you
and me it's totally different, man. We're buddies. Sure we got off
looking at each other, but we're still regular guys who are friends, and
that's it. Don't sweat it, Jamie. Nothing like that's gonna happen to
you. So forget about it. Let's hit the sack."
***************
As he had done two nights before, in the motel, Jamie lay clinging to the
edge of the bed, his back to Mark. His mind was spinning as he thought to
himself, "He fucked him? He put his dick in his ass? Shit, I shouldn't be
here ... Still, he said nothing like that would happen to me. We're just
friends, right?"
His thoughts still raced in confusion. "He likes Pablo in a different way.
Must like him more than me if he fucks him. Yeah, he likes him more than
me."
The idea troubled him somehow, but then he thought. "I don't care. Mark's
just my buddy. We just have a good time. Sure, he's a great looking guy,
spectacular actually. And sure he makes my dick get hard when I look at
him. Shit, it's hard now. But that doesn't mean I want him to touch me or
anything ... does it? I sure as hell don't wanna touch him."
"I'll be OK. I'll just keep over here on my side of the bed. He's fast
asleep anyway. Fell asleep right away. Just shows, he's not interested in
me ... not in that way ... not in the way he likes Pablo, thank God
... Yeah, he likes Pablo more than me. Wonder why that is. Why does he
want to do that to Pablo and not to me? Shit, I wish my hard-on would go
down."
"Listen, he's breathing steadily. He's fast asleep." Jamie turned over
and looked at the sleeping cop. It was warm so Mark had no sheet over him.
He lay there in his tight V-neck T-shirt and shorts and there was a bulge
in the shorts. "God, he's beautiful," Jamie thought. "I've never seen a
man like him. He's like a fucking god."
Then Jamie's thoughts returned to the drama on the deserted beach when he
had nearly drowned in the rip tide and Mark had rescued him. "He saved my
life, that's for sure. I would have drowned if he hadn't swum out to me,
held me, carried me ashore."
Memories rose up from deep inside his subconscious mind. "Guess they call
it the breath of life. That's how he saved me. He put his mouth over
mine. He pressed his lips on mine and breathed life into me. I can feel
it now. I can still taste him, smell him."
Jamie didn't realize that he had moved closer to the sleeping Mark. He
pulled himself up on his elbow so that his face looked down on the cop's
handsome sculpted features. "Yeah, he put his lips on mine. I think I can
remember. I think I can remember the taste. He was just like this,
leaning over me. Then he leaned down and ... I think I can still taste
him."
Jamie was now deep in his fantasy. His face dropped lower, he was inches
from Mark, whose lips were slightly apart as he slept. "He did it like
this..." And his lips met Mark's, lightly at first, then pressing harder
and he brought his hand up to Mark's cheek. He felt his own cock throbbing
as their faces pressed together.
Mark's eyes suddenly shot open. Startled at first, he quickly realized
that it was Jamie's mouth pressed against his. He didn't move, didn't want
to embarrass the kid. But he stirred involuntarily and Jamie pulled back
abruptly. His eyes opened wide in horrifying realization of what he had
been doing. He was paralyzed, had no idea what to do.
He gazed down at the translucent blue eyes ... and suddenly realized they
were smiling. They were beautiful, the whole face was glorious. Jamie
couldn't help himself. He was drowning in this incredible man and suddenly
he was kissing him again, grinding his lips against Mark's.
Mark gently placed his hand behind Jamie's neck and held his face tightly
in place against his. They began kissing each other intensely. They
stroked, then rubbed, then ground their lips together, probing deep with
their tongues. Their hands were around each other's faces, necks as they
pressed together in a display of mutual affection and pure animal lust.
Then it was over. Reality suddenly hit Jamie like ice water and he pulled
back horrified. He leaped out of bed and fumbled for his jeans. As he
struggled into them he mumbled, "I'm sorry, sir. I don't know ... I don't
know why I ... Shit, I must be crazy. I'll leave, sir. Leave the house.
I'm no good here ... I'll just pick up my things and ..."
"Jamie!" Mark's commanding voice brought the young man to a standstill.
He was frozen in place, staring wide-eyed at the man he had been kissing.
"Get back into bed. I'm ordering you. Get back into bed. Now!"
Jamie had to obey this man. He stepped out of his jeans and lay down in
the bed, facing Mark. The cop smiled at the frightened kid. "Take a few
deep breaths kid. Now listen, and remember what I told you before. Stop
putting labels on things. Stop thinking too hard. Shake off your old
ideas and just feel. Will you do that for me?"
"Yes, sir." Jamie was trembling.
"Now, tell me. Our trip on the bike ... did you like that?"
"I loved it, sir."
"And on the beach, in the hotel, on the balcony as the sun set, you
remember those things, what we did?"
Jamie breathed heavily. "Yes I do sir."
"And how did you feel about it?
"I loved it, sir. Every minute of it. I was happy, sir. I came alive.
It was incredible being with you, sir. Please don't make me go away."
"Mark smiled, "That's not gonna happen, Jamie."
"But I ... Sir, I don't think I want ..."
"Don't worry, kid. I'm not gonna fuck you," Mark smiled. "But I am gonna
sleep with you. Properly I mean, not with you hanging onto the edge of the
bed. Now come here. And that's an order."
Eagerly Jamie slid his body over to Mark's.
"Now, turn over."
Jamie turned over and pressed his back into Mark's chest. Mark wrapped his
big arms around the young man and held him tight.
"Feel better?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. Feels ... perfect, sir."
"Good. Now let's get some sleep."
Mark was soon breathing deeply again and Jamie began to relax, his body
pressed against this glorious man, folded in his muscular arms. And that's
how Jamie slept. All night long.
*************
When Jamie woke next morning he was alone in bed. Mark had an early shift
and had left before dawn. Jamie didn't have time to reflect on the events
of the previous night as he too was starting work today, on the new
construction site with Randy and Darius. Darius gave him a ride there in
his truck. The young black man was polite but not overly friendly. He was
protective of Pablo and shared his suspicions of the new guy.
Pablo had gone to his regular job at the Police Motor Pool but, as the
brass was coming down for a big inspection that day, he had to leave his
dog Billy at home. The Doberman was alone in the yard, guarding the empty
house.
The work day at the construction site was short. As it was the first day
Randy needed to go over things with his two foremen, Darius and Jack, so he
let Jamie off early. Jamie's bike was in the back of the truck so he rode
it home. He was still biking up the hill when he heard loud noises up
ahead ... yelping and barking. Sounded like a dog fight.
As he approached he was surprised to see that a hole had been torn in the
fence next to the gate. He quickened his pace, ran into the yard, and
stopped in horror. On the other side of the lawn Billy was locked in a
vicious fight with another dog, a huge black and white pit-bull that seemed
crazed out of his mind. Evidently he had broken into the yard and attacked
Billy. (Much later it turned out that the dog had escaped from the house of
a neighbor where he was mistreated and ill-fed, so he was hungry and
vicious.)
The fight was really savage and, though Billy fought hard, the pit-bull was
heavier and more brutal. He had Billy by the scruff of the neck and was
shaking him like a rat. Jamie's reflexes were quick. He rushed for the
garden hose and turned it on full blast, aiming it at the struggling dogs.
They didn't react, so Jamie turned to nozzle at the end of the hose to make
a hard jet of water that he aimed at the pit-bull's face.
As the water hit his eyes he howled and fell backward, releasing Billy.
Like lightning Jamie hurled himself at the crazed pit-bull, a potentially
fatal move. The dog's teeth sank into his outstretched arm and Jamie
screamed with pain. It was impossible to shake the dog off so, acting by
reflex, with his arm bleeding profusely, Jamie dragged him all the way
across the lawn to the gate.
The gate was still open and instinctively Jamie grabbed it with his free
arm. With all his remaining strength he hurled the dog against the gate
post and slammed the gate on him. He did this again and again, crushing
the dog between the gate and the post. The pit-bull weakened, howling in
pain, and finally released Jamie's arm. He aimed a savage kick at the
animal, and as the dog fell outside the gate Jamie slammed it shut. He
heard the dog yelping as it ran off down the hill.
Jamie turned to Billy who was lying whimpering, bleeding on the grass. It
seemed that the damage was mostly to his leg, which had a huge, gaping
wound. Jamie knew he had to get him to a vet fast. He knew there was one
on Figueroa Street but it was a long walk down the hill. There were no
vehicles in the house, except the Harleys, so he would have to go on foot.
He ran to the bathroom and grabbed two towels. One he wrapped round his
own arm that was pouring blood and the other he wound around Billy. He
picked up the limp dog and began to walk. `Jesus, he's heavy,' Jamie
thought, but he felt the blood seeping through the towel, his own and
Billy's, and quickened his pace.
The walk was grueling. He felt nauseous and dizzy, but he stumbled
forward. He almost fell several times, but gritted his teeth and forced
himself onward. He knew that if he fell both he and the dog were finished.
*************
The vet was shocked to see the blood-stained young man stagger through the
door, with the limp dog in his arms. He acted quickly and soon had Billy
on the table and was stabilizing him. While he did so Jamie stammered out
his story.
"My, God," the vet said. "You attacked the pit-bull? You must be crazy.
He could've killed you."
"I couldn't let him kill Billy," Jamie said. "Pablo loves that dog
... he's nuts about him."
The vet insisted Jamie get immediate care. The only number Jamie had was
Mark's cell and the vet called it. By a sheer luck Mark had just finished
work and was getting into his truck. The vet only had to say a few words
of explanation and Mark said, "I'll be right there."
His truck pulled up only minutes later. He rushed in, took one look at
Jamie's ashen face and blood-soaked arm and said, "It's OK, kid. I'll take
care of you." The vet hastily told the story.
"I've never known anyone attack a crazed pit-bull and live to tell about
it. The guy's real lucky to be alive ... so's this dog. That's a hell of
a brave kid you've got there sir."
************
Events moved fast ... very fast. Mark helped Jamie carefully into the
truck. The cop had his emergency flasher with him and he reached out the
window and clamped it magnetically to the roof. With lights flashing and
siren blaring they took off.
"Hang in there, kid. Won't be long. You're a helluva guy, Jamie, you know
that? I'll take care of you now. How're you feeling?"
"I'm fine now you're with me, sir."
They made it to the nearest emergency room at Glendale Memorial Hospital in
minutes. The emergency worker knew the uniformed cop well and said, "Hi,
Mark. So what have you got for us today?"
They rushed Jamie inside. After a quick examination the medics said that
Jamie had lost a lot of blood and would probably need a transfusion. He
would need to be stitched, and certainly require a series of rabies shots.
They would have to keep him overnight for observation.
Mark said he would stay there until Jamie was sleeping. He called Randy
and told him to alert Pablo and the others. In no time Pablo and Darius
were with Billy at the vet's, and Bob and Randy showed up at the hospital
to see Mark. It was only then, as they talked, that the impact of the
story hit everyone, and they realized how close they had been to losing
Jamie and Billy.
At the vet's Pablo was thinking the same thing.
**************
It was mid-afternoon the next day when Jamie finally came home. It was
Saturday so all the guys were there. Darius was helping Randy mend the
hole in the fence. Pablo and Bob were sitting across the lawn with Billy,
the dog resting his head in Pablo's lap, his leg heavily bandaged.
They all heard Mark's truck pull up. The gate opened and Jamie followed
Mark inside, still looking pale, his left arm in a sling. They stopped just
inside the gate and there was a long, still silence. Then several things
happened in quick succession. The first to move was Billy. He stood up
unsteadily and limped halfway across the lawn. He stopped and gazed at
Jamie, enthusiastically wagging his tail.
Randy moved next. He had been on his knees mending the fence and he now
stood up and looked straight at Jamie. His face broke into a grin. Then
he brought his hands together and began to clap them slowly. As the tempo
increased Darius joined in, then Bob and Pablo. Soon they were all
applauding wildly. Mark smiled broadly and put his arm round Jamie's
shoulder, pulling him towards him.
And the next thing to happen was that Jamie's face blushed a deep red.
***********
TO BE CONTINUED IN "A Trial Of Strength -- Part 39"